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When the weather heats up, my family is ready to swim! One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is a dip in a nice, cool pool. And when that pool is outside, it’s an even better opportunity to cool off while taking full advantage of our amazing (albeit brief) summers in the Northwest.
I’ve rounded up the best outdoor pools in Seattle, the Eastside, Tacoma and beyond. So get ready to head out on a classic, cool summer activity that will keep kids (and parents) happy in the heat.
Seattle swimming pools
Colman Pool, West Seattle
Open: Daily, June 13–Aug. 30, 2026; postseason weekends: Sept. 5–7, Sept. 13–14 and Sept. 19–20, 2026
Water temp: 85 degrees
Overview: Overlooking the beach in lovely Lincoln Park in West Seattle, this Olympic-size saltwater pool features a diving board (closed Fridays) and 50-meter swim lanes. Pool toys like water noodles and mats are available. The corkscrew slide is only open on Fridays and during pool rental times. There is a cost to use the slide.
Important note: There is no wading area for tots.
Tips: Colman is a popular swim destination that sells out on hot days. Come early to purchase your swim admission. This pool requires admission for everyone entering, even if not swimming. A deep-water swim test is required for everyone younger than age 18. A modified swim test is allowed with a personal flotation device (life jacket). Pool visitors need to make a short stroll through Lincoln Park to reach the pool.
Reservations: Sign up for swim lessons or book a party rental online. If you have questions, call 206-684-7494.
Mounger Pool, Magnolia
Open: Daily, June 22–Sept. 6, 2026
Water temp: 85 degrees (big pool); 88 degrees (little pool)
Overview: Popular Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool is actually two pools: a larger, deeper pool with a 50-foot corkscrew tube slide, and a separate shallow pool for young kids.
For tots: Check out Pool Playland, a “gentle” public swim that takes place in the small pool only (daily 10:30–11:30 a.m. and Monday–Thursday 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m., see the website schedule for additional times), and is for children ages 5 and younger. The pool also hosts a special swim time for children with sensory processing disorders, in the small pool on Fridays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. An adult age 18 or older must accompany all children in the water.
Tips: This pool is also very popular and sells out on hot days, so come early. Mounger Pool has a fixed shade structure.
Reservations: Sign up for swim lessons online or book a party rental by calling 206-684-4708.
Yost Pool, Edmonds
Open: The year-round pool runs a summer schedule, June 22–Aug. 28, 2026.
Water temp: 80–83 degrees
Overview: Set in one of Edmonds’ loveliest, shadiest parks, this popular pool is run by the Cascade Swim Club. In addition to swim lessons and swim team opportunities, Yost Pool hosts summer open swim Monday–Friday, from 1:15–3:15 p.m., and several sessions on the weekends.
Important note: There is no separate shallow area for toddlers.
Tips: Consider the individual or family punch passes if you want to spend multiple days by the pool. Yost Park is also worth exploring, with shady forest trails, a creek, a basketball court and a playground.
Eastside outdoor pools
Peter Kirk Pool, Kirkland
Open: June 1–Sept. 7, 2026
Water temp: 86 degrees (outdoor pool and wading pool)
Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Kirkland, this large, L-shaped pool features a deep area with a low diving board that bigger kids will enjoy.
For tots: There is a separate wading pool for kids ages 6 and younger and their caregivers. See the schedule on the website for public swim times.
Reservations: Register for swim lessons or reserve the pool online.
Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Renton
Open: June 20–Sept. 7, 2026
Water temp: 84–86 degrees
Overview: Prepare yourself for lots of water excitement with the 26-foot-high orange-and-blue water slides, the lazy river, wave machine and island lagoon. Shark Bites Café offers beverages and snacks.
For tots: There is zero-depth entry to the toddler water area. Half Pint Splash ‘n’ Play sessions are just for kids ages 6 months to 5 years, with a caregiver.
Note: The Activity Pool water feature is unavailable for the Summer 2026 season, but a new water feature is expected after this season.
Tips: Book online for one of two daily swim sessions: 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 3:30–6:30 p.m. Water toys are not allowed during leisure swim sessions. Call 425-430-6780 to check on pool closures.
Reservations: Reserve your swim time online now. Make sure to book in advance!
South Sound-area outdoor pools
Kandle Pool, Tacoma
Open: Daily, from June 20, 2026
Overview: This addition to Tacoma’s public outdoor pools features a gradual zero-depth entry, a 100-gallon tumble bucket (which fills up and then dumps when full) and Pierce County’s first wave pool, which simulates an ocean wave experience. Open swim is offered daily from 12:30–2:30 p.m. and 3–5 p.m. There is an additional open swim session from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.
For tots: Little ones will enjoy the separate shallow pool and the free sprayground that sits adjacent to (but outside the gates of) the main pool.
Tips: There are a limited number of tables and chairs, so get there early if you’d like a lounge chair, or bring your own. Visitors can likewise bring their own food and beverages, but no glass containers (or alcohol) are allowed. Concessions are also available.
Reservations: Admission costs $8–$10 depending on age and selected session; tots ages 4 and younger enter free. Kandle Pool has multiple tents available to rent.
Edwards Family Aquatic Center, Fircrest
Open: June 22–Aug. 16, 2026
Overview: This pool is open to both residents and non-residents of the City of Fircrest. Swim lessons and swim team require online registration, but open swim sessions and lap swim times currently do not require reservations. Weekday open swim is generally 12:30–4:30 p.m.; Monday/Wednesday/Friday also include evening swim 6:30–8:30 p.m.; Tuesday/Thursday evening sessions are designated Family Swim starting June 23. Weekend open swims are 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 2:30–5:30 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. Show up early for the popular open swim. The pool sometimes offers special events; check the city’s Facebook page for info and updates or call 253-564-8188.
Reservations: Open swim admission costs $5–$10; evening/family swim is $4–8; admission is required for ages 6 and older.
Vashon Pool, Vashon Island
Open: Daily, with open swim Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1–6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 2–6 p.m., Saturday from 1–5 p.m. and Sunday from 1–4 p.m.
Water temp: 82 degrees
Overview: This community pool offers drop-in open swim sessions during the summer season. A deep-water swim test is required for youth ages 14 and younger, and kids ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Tenino Quarry Pool, Tenino
Open: After being closed for several years, the Tenino Quarry Pool reopened in 2024. Hours are some June weekends, noon–6 p.m.; July and August, Wednesday–Sunday, noon–6 p.m., with occasional bonus Mondays or Tuesdays. Be sure to check the city’s Facebook page for updated info before heading out, as hours are subject to change.
Overview: Against the stunning backdrop of an old sandstone quarry, this 80-foot-deep freshwater pool promises the ultimate deep-water experience. Strong swimmers can bounce off of two diving boards and swim to a waterfall that flows into the quarry. The downside of all that depth is that the water is cold. Plan this adventure for very hot days.
For tots: Thanks to the recent renovation, you’ll find a splash pad, concrete pool deck and 2-foot-deep wading pool with clear, chlorinated water. Perfect for little ones who are not ready for the deep water.
Tips: Kids and teens ages 17 and younger have to pass a swim test before entering the deep pool. Train-crazy kids will also enjoy visiting the old train depot next door (made of sandstone). It’s open on Fridays and Saturdays. There are also trails in the park.
Water parks around Washington
Pasco Aquatic Center, Pasco
Open: The Pasco Aquatic Center is open year-round. Current hours are Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–8 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. The outdoor swim area is open during the summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
Water temp: 82 degrees
Overview: Brand-new to the Tri-Cities, this aquatic center is worth the drive! The outdoor swim area feels like a mini water park, with a lazy river, water basketball hoop, aquatic climbing wall and plunging slides.
There are also ten cabanas available for rent, so you can take a break from water play and rest in the shade. Grab treats from the snack shack and refuel before you get back to swimming.
The indoor swim area challenges kids with a ninja-style obstacle course. Two 30-foot water slides start inside, twisting outside the facility before returning inside. For more thrills, stick around for the Thunder and Light shower.
For tots: There is a kids splash and play area, where little ones will have a blast.
Tips: The aquatic center’s summer schedule changes depending on the day, with lap swimming, special programming and open swim sessions offered.
Reservations: Each swim session is limited to 300 guests. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online in advance.
Deals: Summer passes are discounted for the 2026 season. Pasco residents also receive a discount on all passes.
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, Federal Way
Open: 2026 is Wild Waves’ final season. The park is open May 23–Nov. 1, 2026, but the water park closes after Sept. 7, 2026.
Water temp: Varies among the different attractions
Overview: Located just off I-5 in Federal Way, the Puget Sound region’s biggest water park features water attractions for every level of ability and comfort, and our ultimate family guide to Wild Waves has all the tips and insights you’ll need for the perfect family adventure there. Check ride names and height/ability restrictions before you go to find out if this destination will suit your family.
Tips: Weekdays are less crowded. It is recommended to bring your own stroller, as they don’t provide rentals and the park is 70 acres. Rent your own cabana 24 hours in advance (or more, since they tend to sell out on hot days).
Reservations: Buy tickets online, in advance, for a bit of saving (though you can also buy tickets at the gate).
Deals: It pays to purchase online, but do it before you are at the park because discount tickets are not available for purchase via mobile devices if you are within the park property. Other deals include group tickets and season passes.
Slidewaters, Lake Chelan
Open: Daily, through Sept. 7, 2026, from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Water temp: 70–80 degrees, depending on the pool
Overview: If you’re headed to the Lake Chelan area for a summer getaway, don’t miss this fun, family-size water park that takes advantage of the natural topography for its slides (it’s built on the side of a hill). Rides and attractions range from the Bug-A-Boo slide and Aqua Zoo for toddlers to intermediate slides and the lazy river ride for older kids to the Thunder Rapids and enclosed pitch-black slide for the ultimate thrill-seekers. There’s even a 60-person hot tub.
For tots: There is a zero-depth wading area and Aqua Zoo activity pool by the Lazy River.
Tips: Tuesdays tend to be a little slower than the rest of the week, and the best times to come are late June or the last week of August. Note: Any goggles or sunglasses must have a strap to be worn on slides.
Reservations: Season passes are available for purchase online, or daily passes are available on location.
Surf ‘n Slide Waterpark, Moses Lake
Open: Now through Sept. 1, 2026
Water temp: 80 degrees
Overview: Located in Moses Lake, Washington, about three hours east of Seattle, Surf ‘n Slide is known as clean, affordable and toddler-friendly with zero-depth beach entry to the pool, a children’s splash pad with a variety of spray fountains, plus a Treasure Island water play structure and baby octopus slide. Kids and teens interested in more exciting water play will love the Flowrider (a surfing simulator, one of only a few in the region), 200-foot slides and sand volleyball courts.
Tips: Use a season pass or punch card to bypass the line and enter through the VIP entrance. The concession stand, operated by El Charro Express-o, offers a variety of Mexican food. A Hawaiian shaved ice stand is now a permanent fixture at the park! Outside food is allowed as well, but no glass containers, tobacco, alcohol or barbecue grills are allowed.
Reservations: Punch cards can be purchased at the lobby. Season passes can be purchased online.
Splash Zone, Ephrata
Open: June 8–Aug. 31, 2026
Water temp: 80 degrees
Overview: Located about three hours east of Seattle in Ephrata, Washington, Splash Zone features two diving boards, a Frog Slide (tiny slide), Lily Pads (rope ladder across pool inner tubes), tube slide, water basketball hoops, dry playground and concessions stand. Covered picnic shelters can be rented at this park.
For tots: Little ones can ease into the pool with the zero-depth entry section of the leisure pool; the tiny Frog Slide is a perfect beginner slide for young kids under 4 feet tall.
Tips: Since temperatures get into the 90s and 100s in Ephrata, bring lots of sunscreen and water, then seek shade under the giant umbrellas or nearby trees. Feel free to bring outside food and drink, but no glass containers or alcohol are allowed.
Reservations: Season passes and day passes available.
Birch Bay Waterslides, Birch Bay
Editor’s note: Birch Bay Waterslides is closed for the 2026 season. Check the website for updates.
Open: Closed for the 2026 season
Water temp: Between 80–84 degrees
Overview: Keep this one in mind for next year! Located in Birch Bay, Washington, about two hours north of Seattle and near the Canadian border, this family-friendly water park is a must-visit.
The park features six slides, a 30-person hot tub (ages 7 or older), kiddie pool, activity pool, and volleyball and basketball courts. For snacks, there is a concession stand and treat carts.
For tots: The kiddie pool, for ages 8 and younger, has three slides.
Tips: Outside food and drinks are not permitted (except sealed bottled water and infant formula). No coolers, alcohol or glass allowed.
Reservations: Cabanas are available for reservation online.
Editor’s note: ParentMap staff contributed to this article, which was originally published several years ago and updated most recently with a thorough fact-check and new additions on July 6, 2026, by ParentMap’s editorial team.
